Xbox One Won't Stream Ad-Supported Xbox Music

After a bit of confusion on Microsoft's end, the company has delivered the final word on Xbox Music on the Xbox One. Unfortunately, it's more of the same.

Based on comments from Microsoft's head of Xbox One programming Albert Penello, it was believed the Xbox One would allow ad-supported streaming to Xbox Gold subscribers. Penello took back his statement on Wednesday, and added a few more details on just how Xbox Music would work with the Xbox One.

I was wrong about Music on XboxOne: You get 15 free song plays then need Music Pass for ad-free streaming. No ad-supported streaming. Sorry!

The Xbox 360 currently allows only subscribers to the service to use the console for streaming music. Only the Windows 8.1 version of Xbox Music offers ad-supported play at this time. While it would have been great to see the Xbox One offer that same kind of flexibility, that just won't be the case.

"Enjoying Xbox Music on Xbox One does require an Xbox Music Pass, similar to Xbox 360. Users will receive 15 free song plays before having to enter their Music Pass," Microsoft told the Verge in a statement. "New users can also sign up for a free 30 day trial. With a Music Pass, you have access to your personal music collection and can stream unlimited, ad-free music. You can use Xbox Music alongside other activities on Xbox One, including games, through Snap mode. Xbox Music is an all-in-one music service that does offer an ad-supported, free streaming option on Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 and online at Music.Xbox.com."

Perhaps one day Microsoft will offer this kind of functionality to everyone, but unless you're a subscriber, you'll still have to rely on getting your streaming music fix somewhere else.